How to Clean a Washing Machine (Front Loader or Top Loader)

Quick Answer

How to clean a washing machine fast: run an empty hot “Clean Washer” (or longest hot) cycle with a washer cleaner tablet, then wipe the gasket (front-load), clean the dispenser, and leave the door/lid open to dry. Manufacturers commonly recommend doing this about monthly to prevent residue and odor buildup. (Whirlpool guide [1](https://www.whirlpool.ca/en_ca/blog/washers-and-dryers/clean-washing-machine.html))

For more laundry care basics and maintenance topics, browse our Laundry Care section. You can also explore related problem-solvers in Odor Removal and tool-focused tips in Cleaning Tools.

Why This Happens

Over time, detergent, softener, and soil can leave a film inside the drum, dispenser, and seals. That buildup can trap moisture—especially in front-load door gaskets—and contribute to musty odors and reduced cleaning performance. Many manufacturers recommend a regular cleaning cycle to keep the basket/tub fresh. (GE Appliances: Cleaning the tub .com/appliance/gea-support-search-content?contentId=35915))

If you’re dealing with laundry odors often, you’ll also want to review the prevention habits in our Laundry Care guides and check related causes in Odor Removal.

What NOT to Do

Don’t mix cleaners. Never combine bleach with other cleaners (including vinegar or ammonia). Mixing products can create dangerous fumes. Use one method at a time and follow label instructions. (CDC bleach safety

Don’t skip the gasket and dispenser. Running a cycle helps, but front-load seals and drawers often hold the “gunk” that causes recurring odors. Manufacturers specifically call out cleaning dispensers and the door area as part of the routine. (Whirlpool steps [1](https://www.whirlpool.ca/en_ca/blog/washers-and-dryers/clean-washing-machine.html))

Don’t keep the door/lid shut after loads. Leaving the washer closed traps moisture; keeping it open between washes helps the interior dry and reduces odor risk. (Maytag tip [4](https://www.maytag.com/blog/washers-and-dryers/how-to-clean-washing-machine.html))

Step-by-Step Fix

Empty the washer completely. No clothes, no towels—this is a cleaning cycle. (Whirlpool [1](https://www.whirlpool.ca/en_ca/blog/washers-and-dryers/clean-washing-machine.html))
Run the washer’s cleaning cycle with a washer cleaner tablet (preferred). Place the tablet in the tub/drum (not the dispenser unless the product says otherwise), select “Clean Washer” (or the hottest/longest cycle), and let it finish. (Whirlpool [1](https://www.whirlpool.ca/en_ca/blog/washers-and-dryers/clean-washing-machine.html))
If your model uses a tub/basket-clean feature (common in many top-loaders), follow that routine. GE notes some models use a “Basket Clean” cycle and recommends cleaning the tub monthly. (GE Appliances [2](https://products.geappliances.com/appliance/gea-support-search-content?contentId=35915))
Clean the dispenser/drawer. Remove it if possible, wash residue away, then dry and reinstall. Manufacturers commonly include dispenser cleaning as part of washer maintenance. (Whirlpool dispenser step [1](https://www.whirlpool.ca/en_ca/blog/washers-and-dryers/clean-washing-machine.html))
Wipe the door area and seal (front-loaders). Wipe inside the door and carefully clean the rubber gasket folds where moisture and residue collect. (Whirlpool door/seal step [1](https://www.whirlpool.ca/en_ca/blog/washers-and-dryers/clean-washing-machine.html))
Let everything dry. Leave the door/lid open after the cycle so the tub can air-dry, which helps prevent recurring odors. (Maytag [4](https://www.maytag.com/blog/washers-and-dryers/how-to-clean-washing-machine.html))

Need more laundry maintenance routines like this? Start in Laundry Care, and for recurring smell issues, jump to Odor Removal. For the brushes and microfiber that make this faster, see Cleaning Tools.

Alternative Fixes

Use liquid chlorine bleach only if your manufacturer allows it. Some manufacturer guidance notes bleach may be an option when a washer-cleaner tablet isn’t available, but you should check your use-and-care guide first. (Whirlpool note on bleach [1](https://www.whirlpool.ca/en_ca/blog/washers-and-dryers/clean-washing-machine.html))

Target odor hotspots. If the tub is clean but smells persist, re-check the gasket folds (front-load) and the dispenser housing for trapped residue. This is commonly emphasized in manufacturer cleaning routines. (Whirlpool routine [1](https://www.whirlpool.ca/en_ca/blog/washers-and-dryers/clean-washing-machine.html))

Follow your brand’s specific cycle instructions. Some brands specify a dedicated tub/basket-clean cycle and how to run it without interruption. (GE Basket Clean [2](https://products.geappliances.com/appliance/gea-support-search-content?contentId=35915))

Prevention Tips

Do a monthly clean cycle. Several manufacturers recommend a regular (about monthly) tub/basket clean to prevent odor and detergent buildup. (GE recommendation [2](https://products.geappliances.com/appliance/gea-support-search-content?contentId=35915))

Leave the door/lid open between loads. Air-drying the interior helps prevent mildew-like smells from returning. (Maytag [4](https://www.maytag.com/blog/washers-and-dryers/how-to-clean-washing-machine.html))

Wipe seals and the drawer weekly if odors are common. Keeping these “catch points” clean helps the machine stay fresh between deep cleans. (This aligns with the door/dispenser focus in manufacturer cleaning steps.) (Whirlpool [1](https://www.whirlpool.ca/en_ca/blog/washers-and-dryers/clean-washing-machine.html))

For more routines like this, revisit Laundry Care (maintenance + habits), and if smells keep coming back, check Odor Removal for common root causes.

FAQs

How often should I clean my washing machine? Many manufacturers recommend running a washer-cleaning routine about monthly (or roughly every 30 washes) to prevent buildup and odors. (Maytag [4](https://www.maytag.com/blog/washers-and-dryers/how-to-clean-washing-machine.html))
Should I use bleach or a washer cleaner tablet? Washer cleaner tablets are commonly recommended by manufacturers, and bleach may be an option for some models if the brand’s guide/manual allows it. Always follow your model’s instructions. (Whirlpool [1](https://www.whirlpool.ca/en_ca/blog/washers-and-dryers/clean-washing-machine.html))
Can I mix bleach and vinegar for a stronger clean? No—never mix bleach with other cleaners. The CDC warns this can release vapors that are very dangerous to breathe. (CDC [3](https://www.cdc.gov/hygiene/about/cleaning-and-disinfecting-with-bleach.html))
Why does my front-load washer smell worse than my top-load? Front-loaders can trap moisture around the door seal/gasket, so wiping and drying that area is especially important. (Manufacturer routines specifically include cleaning around the door and seal.) (Whirlpool [1](https://www.whirlpool.ca/en_ca/blog/washers-and-dryers/clean-washing-machine.html))
What’s the easiest “between cleans” habit? Leave the door/lid open after loads so the tub can dry out, which helps prevent odor. (Maytag [4](https://www.maytag.com/blog/washers-and-dryers/how-to-clean-washing-machine.html))